All An Act's 10th season opens with Agatha Christie

By Erin McCartyContributing writer

February 6, 2014 12:01 AM

By Erin McCartyContributing writer

February 6, 2014 12:01 AM

SEE IT"A Murder is Announced" plays Friday through Sunday, Feb. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28, and March 1-2 at All An Act, 652 W. 17th St. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. except Sundays, which are at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12, $8 for seniors and students, and can be purchased online at www.allanact.net .

All An Act Theatre Productions co-founder David W. Mitchell can scarcely believe that the troupe he created with Larry Lewis has been in operation for 10 years, but he's thrilled with its ever-expanding growth.

Part of that success comes from the group's superlative command of certain niches, such as farces and mysteries. The latter will start this anniversary season. Mitchell directs Leslie Darbon's adaptation of Agatha Christie's "A Murder is Announced."

"We love doing the Agatha Christies," Mitchell said. "They're fun to do, and they always have a good turnout."

In this one, a small-town newspaper prints a notice that a murder will occur at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Miss Blacklock. The appointed time and place finds several invited guests and curious neighbors present, but it's a surprise visitor who winds up dead. The intrepid Miss Marple must help the flummoxed inspector put the pieces of the puzzle together.

"Ruth Scandale is playing Miss Marple," Mitchell noted. "Ruth has such a distinct stage presence, and she knows how to play that real stalwart, stoic type of character, but always with a twinkle in her eye."

"Most of the cast is on stage the entire show," Mitchell said, "which makes it a real blocking challenge to keep everything moving and keep it interesting."

Exploring the nuances of these characters' reactions to each other has been a dynamic part of the rehearsal process. Another "character" is the set, which was constructed and furnished asymmetrically to reflect the idea of two very different rooms being shoved together.

After a decade with All An Act, Mitchell knows a lot about odd couples.

"Larry and I are like brothers," Mitchell said. "We actually argue like that, but when push comes to shove, I'm right there by his side and he's right there by my side. That's the nature of family, I guess."

SEE IT"A Murder is Announced" plays Friday through Sunday, Feb. 7-9, 14-16, 21-23, 28, and March 1-2 at All An Act, 652 W. 17th St. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. except Sundays, which are at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12, $8 for seniors and students, and can be purchased online at www.allanact.net .